DeKALB — Several cars went ditches this morning at Malta Road and Route 64.

DeKalb County Sheriff Chief Deputy Gary Dumdie encouraged motorists travel only when necessary as DeKalb County is expected to receive 4 to 8 inches of snow by 6 p.m. today.

Kishwaukee College in Malta closed at 10:30 a.m. and the Center for Family Health in Malta closed 11:30 a.m. today, while the DeKalb Clinic Convenient Care plans to close early at 5 p.m. and Once Upon A Time Child Care will close early at 4 p.m. The DeKalb Park District Hopkins Pool Consideration Committee and the Hinckley Village Board meetings for tonight are canceled.

In the areas with the most snowfall, residents also could see lightning and thunder, said Gilbert Sebenste, Northern Illinois University meteorologist. The heaviest snowfall will be over by 4 or 5 p.m., with flurries lingering into the evening, Sebenste said.

"Accumulation will vary across the area," Sebenste said. "It depends on who gets the thunder snow."

Drifting snow is particularly a problem in rural areas. With the wind, visibility is near zero in some areas, Dumdie said.

"At this time, it's deceiving in town, but in the northwest part of the county, we've had a few cars stuck in the road," he said.

Dumdie urged residents to drive slowly and have a full tank of gas in what is expected to be a difficult commute for drivers this evening.

"If you do become stranded or stuck in a ditch or on the road," he said, "stay in your car and call for assistance."